Biology Chap 1 Vocab

Front 1

adaptation

Back 1

a trait that increases the ability of an individuals to survive and reproduce compared to individuals without the trait

Front 2

autotrough

Back 2

a self feeder. Normally a photosynthetic producer.

Front 3

biodiversity

Back 3

total number of species in a population and the resulting complexity of interactions between them.

Front 4

biosphere

Back 4

that part of earth inhabited by living organisms (includes both living and nonliving components)

Front 5

cell

Back 5

the smallest unit of life consisting of a minimum of an outer membrane that encloses a water medium containing organic molecules, including genetic material composed of DNA

Front 6

conclusion

Back 6

The final operation in the scientific method. A decision made about the validity of a hypothesis on the basis of experimental evidence

Front 7

control

Back 7

That portion of an experiment in which all possible variables are held constant

Front 8

eukaryotic

Back 8

Referring to cells of organisms of the domain eukarya. Eukaryotic cells have genetic material enclosed within a membrane bound nucleus and contain other membrane bound organelles

Front 9

evolution

Back 9

The descent of modern organisms with modifications of preexisting life forms

Front 10

experiment

Back 10

The third operation in the scientific method. The testing of a hypothesis by further observations leading to conclusions

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heterotrough

Back 11

An organism that eats other organisms. A consumer.

Front 12

homeostatsis

Back 12

The maintenance of a relatively constant environment required for the optimal function of cells, maintained by the coordinated activity of numerous regulatory mechanisms- including the respiratory, endocrine, circulatory, and excretory systems.

Front 13

hypothesis

Back 13

The second operation in the scientific method. It is a supposition based on previous observations that is offered as an explanation for observed phenomenon and is used as the basis for further observations or experiments.

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metabolism

Back 14

It is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a single cell or within all the cells of a multicultural organism.

Front 15

natural selection

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The unequal survival and reproduction or organisms due to environmental forces, resulting in the preservation of favorable adaptation. Usually, natural selection refers specifically to differential survival and reproduction on the basis of genetic differences among individuals.

Front 16

nucleus

Back 16

Atomic- the central region of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons.
Cellular- The membrane bound organelle of eukaryotic cells that contains the cells genetic material.

Front 17

observation

Back 17

The first operation of the scientific method; the noting of specific phenomenon leading to the formulation of a hypothesis.

Front 18

prokaryotic

Back 18

Referring to the cells of the domains of bacteria or archaea. Prokaryotic cells have genetic material that is not enclosed in a membrane bound nucleus; they lack other membrane bound organelles.

Front 19

scientific method

Back 19

it is a rigorous procedure for making observations of specific phenomenon in searching for the order underlying those phenomena; consists of four operations- observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion.

Front 20

scientific theory

Back 20

a general explanation of natural phenomena developed through extensive and reproducible observations; more general and reliable than a hypothesis.

Front 21

unicellular

Back 21

singled celled; most members of domains bacteria and archaea and the kingdom protista are unicellular

Front 22

variable

Back 22

A condition, particularly in scientific experiments, that is subject to change.